He said there are plans in place to build a hostel which will accommodate 32 boys. He said the hostel is intended to be a half-way house, as the PCMU intends to find other places for the boys to live after they have completed the programme.THREE DIMENSIONS
There are three dimensions to the 'Possibility Programme' a care centre, a skill/employment centre and a behaviour modification programme.
The care centre is operated by the St. Andrew Parish Church. Through the skills/employment centre, the boys make leather craft, such as handbags, coasters and shoes, all by hand. The boys are also given at least two hours of literacy lessons, a cooked meal and a stipend of $250 each day.
The behaviour modification programme is implemented in conjunction with the military and the boys are taken to Newcastle where an intense programme is conducted.
Dr. Salmon said the
programme has, to date, reconnected nearly 30 boys with the formal education system and has graduated 25 from the skills
centre. He noted that the boys who graduated have been placed in jobs or apprenticeship posts and 18 boys are currently being trained.
SKILLS CENTRE
On Friday The Gleaner paid a visit to the skills centre located on Hope Road, and found the young men in class listening attentively .
Eighteen-year-old Rasheed Williams said the programme has transformed his life.
"Mi never have de opportunity to do certain tings and now mi can do leather craft and use di computer," the pencil thin teenager said.
Another participant, Andrew Cummings, said the programme has been "good so far."
"It helping me to do a lot of good things. I am not staying out late at nights and certain bad things mi use to do, mi nuh do dem nuh more," he related with a proud look on his face.
